TAP delayed baggage compensation.
How much can you claim? What are the rules?
Arriving at your destination only to find out that your baggage hasn’t made the journey with you is one of the most frustrating experiences any traveler can have. As you stand at the baggage carousel in the airport, patiently waiting for your bag to appear, you may come to the realization that it’s not coming. Unfortunately, there are several reasons why your baggage may be delayed, and it’s a more common occurrence than most people think.
If your luggage is lost, what should you do?
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Lost?
Firstly, stay in the area where you picked up your baggage.
Head to the Baggage Service Office, typically situated near the baggage carousels. Here, you’ll find dedicated staff who specialize in handling lost baggage cases. They will assist you in reporting the loss of your baggage and initiating the search process.
To file the report, make sure to have your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tag (a small sticker attached to your boarding pass during check-in) ready. If you have any additional details, such as a photo or description of your bag, provide them as well. However, even if you only have your passport and boarding pass, proceed with filing the report.
Don’t skip this step, if you want to get delayed baggage compensation.
After filing the report, you will receive a written confirmation called a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This document contains a personal reference number and outlines the necessary steps going forward. Keep this paper safe, as it serves as a crucial reference throughout the recovery process. Also you will need the personal reference number to track your bag online.
Typically, it takes around 12-24 hours for TAP or airport staff to find your bag and contact you to arrange for your bag’s delivery. During this time, it’s advisable to provide a reliable contact number and address where you can be reached.
Tracking Your Lost Baggage
Once you have obtained your Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airport staff, it’s crucial to keep it safe, as it serves as your key to tracking your lost baggage online. By utilizing the World Tracer Tool, you can stay updated on the status of your bag.
To check the status of your lost baggage, provide your PIR number along with other required details such as your name and travel date.
Note that the number on your baggage tag is not the same as your PIR number.
TAP Delayed Baggage Compensation
What are your rights if your baggage is delayed?
Could you be entitled to delayed baggage compensation from TAP?
Baggage Delayed for More Than 72 Hours
In the unfortunate event that TAP Airlines is unable to locate your baggage within 72 hours of reporting it missing, they will request further information to aid in the search. To assist them in the process, they will ask for a more detailed description of the appearance and contents of your lost baggage. Additionally, you will be required to complete a baggage inventory form.
It’s crucial to note that there is a deadline of 5 days from the time of the loss to submit the completed baggage inventory form.
For more information about lost baggage, visit the website of TAP.
Reimbursement of Expenses
In the event of lost or delayed baggage, you may incur additional expenses for purchasing essential items like toiletries or clothing. It’s important to note that you have the right to claim reimbursement for these expenses, but there are a few factors to consider.
When submitting your claim, ensure that the costs incurred for purchasing essential items are reasonable and within acceptable limits. While it’s understandable that you may need to purchase these items urgently, it’s crucial to exercise prudence and only claim for essential items that are directly impacted by the baggage delay or loss.
It’s worth noting that the expenses eligible for reimbursement are limited to essential items. Non-essential or extravagant purchases may not be covered, so it’s essential to maintain a focus on essential and immediate needs when making your claims.
Lost Baggage (You Can Get Compensation)
If TAP fails to locate and return your delayed baggage within 21 days, it is considered officially lost. In such cases, you have the right to file a compensation claim with the airline, which may entitle you to receive up to €1300 in compensation.
It’s important to be aware that TAP, like other airlines, has limitations on the compensation provided for certain valuable items such as electronics, jewelry, or art that are carried in checked baggage. The airline’s liability is typically determined by the Montreal Convention and the airline’s Conditions of Carriage, which may cover only a portion of the item’s value.
When filing a claim, you’ll need to present your boarding pass, baggage tags, and the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that includes your reference number. Additionally, if you had had any additional expenses while waiting for your baggage, you can submit a claim by providing receipts for your purchases.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary?
While proof of insurance may not be required when filing a compensation claim, purchasing a plan beforehand is highly recommended.
With travel insurance, unexpected issues while traveling can be handled by your provider, giving you peace of mind during your trip. The cost of some policies is also reasonable, making it worthwhile to consider purchasing insurance or using a travel debit/credit card that includes coverage.
In the event that your baggage is lost or delayed through no fault of your own, you could be eligible for a refund for essential purchases under your insurance policy. This option may be more straightforward than dealing directly with the airline.
To ensure coverage, it’s important to contact your insurer before making any purchases and keep all receipts. Without receipts, refunds may not be given. It’s also crucial to inquire about the specifics of your policy, such as baggage delay coverage.
Travel Prepared
Be ready for travel mishaps.
When embarking on your journey, it’s always wise to be prepared for unexpected situations, such as baggage loss or delay. To minimize the inconvenience caused by such incidents, it’s a good practice to pack a spare set of clothes and undergarments in your hand baggage. This is particularly important when traveling to tropical destinations where specific clothing and swimwear might be needed.
Also keep your medicines and valuable items in your hand baggage.
Having these essentials within reach ensures that you can still enjoy your vacation while awaiting the resolution of any baggage issues.
What is your experience with baggage delays on TAP flights? Has TAP ever lost your baggage? Have you ever applied for “TAP delayed baggage compensation” (reimbursement of expenses in case of baggage delay)?
Please note that the rules for compensation for delayed or lost baggage with TAP are the same as those for other airlines. This is due to the Montreal Convention, which applies to the carriage of baggage on most international flights operated by TAP and other airlines globally.
Featured photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels